THE generation gap was bridged over afternoon tea.

More than 70 guests attended Bolton School's Tea at the Riley – a monthly social occasion where sixth formers mingle with local senior citizens.

A spread was cooked up by pupils and students with year five girls making the scones, while the selection of finger sandwiches were put together by year eight food technology pupils and sixth-formers provided the homemade cakes and sweet treats.

The school's Flute Choir performed Any Dream Will Do from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat and a number of girls recited humorous poems and all joined in with the traditional folk song Home on the Range.

Elza Saeed, aged 18, said: "Everything we do towards Tea at the Riley, we get back from it.

"The guests notice every little thing we do. They always compliment how organised and how structured it is, the theme we create and how it links together.."

Tanya Thakrar, aged 10, said: “I really enjoyed it because we got to meet and chat with lots of the guests.

"It was really interesting talking to the people because we found out what their life was like when they were young.”

Community action co-ordinator Sophie Entwistle said: "Tea at the Riley is free to all guests, but some of the visitors have expressed an interest in making donations to help to keep the event running in future. The sixth form were delighted to accept these generous donations and will use some of the money to fund future Tea at the Riley events."